Meet Stefni Valencia | Singer Songwriter & Artist Extraordinaire

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stefni Valencia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stefni, how do you think about risk?
Bravery has been something I have learned to embrace and something I strive for in my work. Playing it safe is definitely not something you can do in the Entertainment industry. I work in a male dominated industry and I have worked hard to make a name for myself and I take pride in my work. I do my very best to stay true to myself and my craft. People that do not understand my industry have asked me “why music?” Why don’t you take the safer, more secure route in life?” I have also been asked by others in my industry “why don’t you follow the trend, do what others are doing?” In the end I have learned to block out the noise and listen to my heart and stick to my gut. Believe me it takes work to trust yourself, and fight for what you love every day. I could have taken a safer route in my life, but then I would not be true to myself and I would stop living for me. As a singer/songwriter, and as an artist I will be the first to admit that I am my own worst critic. As artists we are also perfectionists. But, let’s be honest, there is no such thing as perfect. Instead, we take the risk – we put our heart, our work, and our dreams out there for the world to see. Being an artist is not just about creating, it is about putting your name on something you believe in, something that you can say this is me, this is who I am. When I sing I am at my most vulnerable. I honestly can say I get a little bit nervous every time I release something, or share my work with the world. I love what I do, and it is worth the risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a bilingual singer songwriter that has had the honor and privilege of working with various producers, DJs, musicians, and composers. I love creating and collaborating. I have always been up for a challenge, so I have worked on various projects and genres. I have always been a little rebellious so when it came time to release something for me I knew I wanted a sound that embodied my musical journey. After the release of “Obstáculos De Una Flor” I decided I really wanted to focus on bringing a modern, yet fresh sound to my genre of Latin Pop Rock, which inspired the release of “Soñando En Color.” I received such a positive response that I was inspired to keep going. This year during quarantine my team and I were able to release 3 new music videos and 2 new singles with the latest being “Mariposas.” My musical journey has not been easy but my road to discovery has taught me so much about myself. I am so proud of what I have accomplished and I know I am barely getting started. Being able to say that I am proud of what I am doing, and that I am meant to do this was my greatest challenge. It took a lot of one on one conversations with myself, in the end I know why I do what I do. I have also learned to surround myself with people that not only believe in me, but believe in what I am doing. My music has always been my way to express myself, and it is also the way I communicate with the world. I write my songs with my audience in mind. Each time I release a song my hope is that my song can inspire and empower. Music has helped me in my darkest of times and my goal is to do the same for others with my music. If I can help others through my music and inspire others to fight for themselves and their dreams – then I have done my part as an artist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a foodie and I love that Los Angeles has little bit of everything breakfast at Bea Bea’s in Burbank or Home Restaurant LA, lunch at Din Tai Fung at the Americana in Glendale, Lavender Ice Cream at Salt & Straw on Ventura Blvd., dinner at Yang Chow in Chinatown drinks at Bar Flores in Los Angeles. After hours meal at Crave Cafe in Sherman Oaks. Visit farmers markets, art walks, visit tea houses and coffee houses. . I love to go dancing so wherever Cumbiaton LA is spinning is always a great time. I also enjoy going to see live music and outdoor festivals.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you to my amazing team that has not stopped believing in me. Anthony O. (Speaker Damage Records) Philip Forteza (Forteza Visuals) El Fuego: Dan Mehta, Fernando Mojica, Mario Orozco My Family & Friends Also, thank you to everyone that has been following me, streaming my music, and sharing my work.

Website: https://www.stefnivalencia.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msstefniv
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefni-valencia-89aa9776/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msstefniv
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/stefnivalencia

Image Credits
Elfego Becerra Philip Forteza